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Mr Salmond was accused of sexually harassing two female members of staff during his time as first minister in late 2013. He has denied the allegations made against him.

Police Scotland were handed claims about Alex Salmond’s conduct after he was notified about allegations in March.

The allegations were originally brought to the attention of party officials in January.

One woman has claimed Mr Salmond touched her breast and bottom through her clothes and he only stopped after she told him to multiple times.

He responded by strongly denying the claims saying he has never been a part in any “criminality’.

Alex Salmond has strongly denied the allegations (Image: GETTY)

Alex Salmond said: "So let me be clear again. I refute these two complaints of harassment and I absolutely reject any suggestion of criminality.

"I believe that all such issues must be treated seriously, confidentially and through a fair process.

"In this case confidentiality has been broken greatly to my detriment and in a way which puts at serious risk the anonymity of both complainants."

Ms Sturgeon was under pressure to disclose details about her discussions with Alex Salmond after he was accused of sexual harassment.

She has been urged to reveal the times and dates of when their meetings took place, as well as any notes that were taken during their talks.

Ms Sturgeon is also being encouraged to say what she knew of the allegations before they became public and when.

A spokesman for the Scottish Government said: “For legal reasons we are unable to provide further detail at this time. However, in the fullness of time the Scottish Government will seek to make available as much information as it can.”

They also added that the complaints that have been raised “could not be ignored or swept under the carpet”.

This is a developing story, more to follow…

Mr Salmond said he was stepping down to protect the party from being attack by the opposition before Parliament returns next week and prevent “internal division”.

His resignation comes hours after he launched a legal case against the Scottish Government over its handling of the sexual misconduct complaints against him.

He said on Twitter: “I believe that all such issues must be treated seriously, confidentially and through a fair process.

"In this case confidentiality has been broken greatly to my detriment and in a way which puts at serious risk the anonymity of both complainants.

"It urgently needs to be established who breached that duty of confidence and why."

Alex Salmond said the UK abides by the idea of innocence until proven guilty (Image: GETTY)

But he added that it was a “very poor idea” to suspend a party member on the basis of complaints as the UK abides by the concept of innocence until proven guilty.

He said: "However, I did not come into politics to facilitate opposition attacks on the SNP and, with Parliament returning next week, I have tendered my resignation to remove this line of opposition attack.

"Most of all I am conscious that if the Party felt forced into suspending me it would cause substantial internal division."